By PSCU
The National Assembly yesterday approved the Pensions Bill, which aims to expedite the processing and payment of pensions.
The Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2022 amends the Pensions Act to establish a clear timeline for pension disbursement.
Government ministries and departments will now be required to submit necessary documents to the Pensions Department within 30 days of an employee’s retirement. Subsequently, the Pensions Department will have a 60-day window to process pension payments for retirees.
The Bill sponspored by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has been met with widespread approval from members of the National Assembly.
While moving the third reading of the Bill, Barasa highlighted the amendments that will reduce the time retirees have to wait for their pensions.
“This Bill that will ensure that people who retire in this country get their pensions in a period of not more than 90 days. Solving the current backlog.”
Seconding the motion, Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku said that the Bill will bring much-needed financial stability to senior citizens.
Kesses lawmaker Julius Rutto emphasized the plight of retirees who often endure lengthy delays in accessing their entitlements.
“Retirees are going to bed hungry without their benefits,” he stated.
“This Bill will protect them and ensure timely access to their pensions.”
Echoing these sentiments, Homabay MP Peter Kaluma, highlighted the critical importance of timely pension payments for retirees’ financial stability. “Many retirees wait up to 20 years to receive their pensions,” he said.
“The proposed 90-day timeline is a significant improvement.”
On his part, Justice Kemei (Sigowet Soin) said, “Most public servants are heavily inconvenienced after retirement trying to access their pensions. This Bill is good.”
Dr John Mutunga of Tigania West underscored the need to address the backlog of pension cases and provide adequate care for retirees. “We need to have retirees taken care of and there issues handled. Requiring the pensions department Tom process in a timely manner will work and help clear the backlog,” stated Hon. Dr John Mutunga.
Following the passage Pensions (Amendment) Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2022), the Speaker of the National Assembly is expected to present the Bill for assent.
